TAFE NSW students have dominated the 2017 NSW Training New England Awards taking out seven of the possible 11 main awards. This included success for two Armidale students, Gordon Cook and Michael Brooks.
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Mr Cook and Mr Brooks are both studying Commercial Cookery Certificate III. Mr Cook won the Phil Darby Award, while Mr Brooks received the award for Excellence in Trade Skills.
The Phil Darby award is presented in memory of Phil Darby, who was Director of Apprenticeships in NSW until his death in 1984, and is presented to encourage an outstanding apprentice.
Another winner was TAS student Wally Davidson who was named runner up School Based Apprentice/Trainee.
Since starting a school-based traineeship with Davidson Cameron agency (no relation) in Tamworth two years ago when he was in Year 10, Wally has often worked on Sunday nights before starting again at 4am to prepare stock for sale at Tamworth Regional Livestock Exchange, assisting with clearing sales and online auctions, then driving himself back up the hill to boarding school in Armidale on Monday evenings.
“On Wednesdays I remained at school and studied a Certificate IV real estate (stock and station) agency course through Professional College by correspondence, and I have just handed in my last assessment to complete this course. I also obtained my certificate of registration and have participated in an auctioneers course through ALPA” Wally said.
“I enjoy my work as I like working with stock, meeting people in the industry, learning ways to improve my skill set and being out and about in the region. I have enjoyed the responsibility of meeting clients and having the opportunity to sell and present their livestock and property on their behalf.”
Recognising his hard work, consistent effort and potential in the industry, Wally’s employer Daniel McCulloch nominated him for the School Based Trainee award.
All the winners were announced at a special event hosted by Training Services NSW at the West Tamworth League Club in Tamworth on Friday night.
TAFE NSW Director of Education, John Michael, was absolutely thrilled with the result.
“For TAFE NSW to have seven students claim the highest individual honours in their respective categories was a great result for them and the TAFE NSW team,” Mr Michael said.
“The awards serve to highlight the students’ talent and dedication to their studies, but also TAFE NSW’s ability to offer life-changing training for our students.”
Winners will now progress to the NSW State Training Award finals, with winners advancing to the Australian finals.
